grande dame

noun

plural grandes dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) How to pronounce grande dame (audio) also grande dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) How to pronounce grande dame (audio)
1
: a usually elderly woman of great prestige or ability
2

Examples of grande dame in a Sentence

the city's grandes dames still hold considerable sway in its cultural life
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some are centuries-old grande dames; others are boutique newcomers. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 28 July 2025 This is a grande dame of the capital city and undeniably the most luxurious hotel in town. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 30 June 2025 The grande dame of afternoon sipping has earned its loyal following by keeping it traditional. Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 The grande dame of the Italian Riviera may have got a little grander, but clearly, she’s lost none of her magic. Liam Hess, Vogue, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grande dame

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, great lady

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grande dame was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Grande dame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grande%20dame. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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